The first Shanghai Summer International Anime Month opened in the eastern Chinese city on Friday, marking the first time the country's three major industry events are linked: the China International Cartoon and Game Expo (CCG Expo), Bilibili World, and the China Digital Entertainment Expo and Conference.

Running from July 4 to August 10, this event will transform Shanghai into a vibrant anime metropolis for fans of anime, comics, and gaming from around the world this summer.

Organizers announced several features, including a limited-edition "City ACG (Anime, Comic, Games) Passport" that allows access to all three events and digital shopping coupons that can be used at various commercial areas and hotels in Shanghai.

"The nation's three well-known ACG festivals are gathering in Shanghai and collaborating for the first time. The significance extends beyond mere traffic aggregation and scale. Still, I think, it's a great integration, or even an upgrade, for the whole industrial ecosystem," said Wang Jian'er, Vice President of Shanghai Media Group.

"We will hold six highly engaging ACG concerts in July and August this year. The fusion of animation and commerce will extend across 13 commercial districts in the city, creating vibrant online and offline consumption scenarios for anime enthusiasts to enjoy," said Yang Yinyu, an official of the Publicity Department of the CPC Yangpu District Committee.

The Anime Month has already lined up participation from global giants, including Disney, Lego, and Bandai Namco. Anime artists, directors, and voice actors will attend autograph signings and fan interaction events.